Hola everyone!

[Mike P.]

Hi, I'm so glad that I finally had the courage to join this forum. I've used other online support groups, so I can appreciate how important it is, especially since there doesn't seem to be many in person support groups for us, at least not in NYC that I know of. I've known that I enjoy women's clothing since I was an early teen, sometimes dressing in my mother's clothing. Over the years, I tried coping with my desires, and tried having some relationships with women, but haven't had luck. Some of my issues are from mental health, as well as addiction, so I do have support for that, but coming to terms with who I am, and what I enjoy hasn't been easy. I've been doing a lot of research, as I work in social work, so I've learned that the complete person I am is from social learning, as well as genetic, so it is becoming easier to accept that I like to dress as a woman sometimes. The only thing is sometimes that difference between what is healthy sexually, and what is keeping me from meeting someone, such as being interested in humiliation, domination, etc. may be due to something that occurred in childhood, so I was thinking of trying hypnotherapy, but I also thought I needed it for the crossdressing, but I've realized that's a part of my life that will not change, and I don't think I want it to. The only tricky part is trying to keep it private, and not letting others on to some of my changes, such as more feminine aspects, but I'm sure most people know there is something different as I have not had many girlfriends. Anyway, thanks for reading, and I look forward to talking to some of you. Have a great day!!

[Carol Ann]

Hay Mike, don't get so down on yourself. We all have problems and the best thing to do is talk about them.

So anyway my friend

[Anthony Simon]

Welcome, Mike.

I agree with Carol Ann about the talking.

[Davita]

Hi Mike, welcome.

Not many support groups in NYC? I Googled and found lots of lists containing places in NYC. I just picked one and found this one interesting because it included churches. See http://www.gaycenter.org/nycresources.

In the meantime, certainly take advantage of our experience here.

[DonnaT]

Hi Mike, to the forum.

[SilverLady(SO)]

Hi, Mike, and welcome to the forum!


- SL

[Leeza]

Hi Mike

[Paula G]

Hi, and If you can find a good support group they can be worth thier weight in gold, I uggest you follow up on Davita's advise, she is often right!

[Mike P.]

Thank you everyone for the kind welcomes. I did try Identity House once, as that seems to be the only one with support groups, and even met with counselors for consultation, but walked away feeling let down, as they were not able to suggest any groups at the time. They did give me a list of some possible therapists, only a few, and I have to look at that list again, but I don't think I had luck there either. Fortunately I do have a therapist, who I am seeing tonight, but the other prob is that many services are further downtown, and I live in another borough. I did ask a neighbor, who is gay, if he could recommend places closer by, without trying to let on it was for me, but he didn't get back to me yet, so I'll try with him again. Have a wonderful day. Maybe some day I'll figure out what female name to use for myself.

[Karin]

Hiya Mike,
to the forum, It's lovely to meet you!

Yeah... you need a name sweetie Got a short list yet?

Dont mind me, im just nosy! haha

[Carly]

Welcome Mike

[Mike P.]

Thanks again everyone for the kind greeetings. I don't have a name yet Karin, but have been thinkin about it. I've been trying to think of a good name that goes with Aunt, in case my niece ever has to call me that, and one that goes with my last name, which is ukranian. I always liked Samantha, as that was the first girl I liked too, but thought that Katerina or something similar sounds better. I'll keep thinkin about it. Have a great day, enjoying this beautiful weather in NYC.

[Karin]

Hey

Samantha is a pretty name i think, but then so is Katerina lol. Did you know Katerina is an anagram of Karin tea?! oddly, im just eating my tea right now hahaha its a sign..

[Mike P.]

I like tea, might have to make some now. Maybe Samantha.

[Karin]

Nothing like 'trying before buying' haha...

Hiya Samantha,
to the forum, It's lovely to meet you!

How does that feel?